The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH, not a National Statistic) 12-month inflation rate was 2.3% in February 2017, up from 1.9% in January.

The rate in February 2017 was the highest since September 2013, having steadily increased since late 2015.

Rising transport costs, particularly for fuel, were the main contributors to the increase in the rate.

Prices for food increased by 0.3% between February 2016 and February 2017, following 31 consecutive months of prices falling on the year.

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 12-month rate was also 2.3% in February 2017, compared with 1.8% in January.